Mums Walking Group: How to Start One in North London

Some of the best conversations I have heard from parents happened while walking. Side by side, pushing a buggy or just strolling with a coffee, people talk more honestly than they ever do across a table. That is why I am a big fan of a mums walking group. It gets you moving, it gets you out of the house, and it gives you adults to talk to when the week has been all nappies, homework and school WhatsApp groups.

If there is not one near you, you can start your own with two or three friends this week. Here is how to set one up, where to walk around Archway and Highgate, and how to keep everyone safe and happy.

Why walking together works so well

The NHS describes walking for health as one of the simplest ways to get more active, and brisk walking counts towards the 150 minutes of moderate activity adults are advised to do each week. But the real magic of a group is accountability. When you said you would meet Priya at the park gate at 9.15, you go. On your own, the sofa often wins.

Walking with others also helps mood. Being outdoors, moving and chatting with people who get it can take the edge off a hard week. If you are struggling with low mood after having a baby, please do not rely on walking alone. Speak to your GP or health visitor, as the NHS explains on its postnatal depression page.

How to start a mums walking group in 5 steps

1. Find your first three. Ask at the school gate, at baby groups or in your local parents’ chat. Three people is enough. Groups grow once they exist.
2. Pick one fixed slot. Same day, same time, same meeting point every week. “Wednesdays after drop-off, 9.15, park gate” is easy to remember. Changing it every week kills groups fast.
3. Agree the vibe. Chatty stroll or brisk walk? Buggies or no buggies? Coffee at the end? Say it out loud so nobody feels left behind or held back.
4. Set up a simple chat. A WhatsApp group with the meeting point pinned. Keep it for walk details so it does not turn into another noisy group.
5. Have a bad weather rule. For example: “We walk in drizzle, we cancel in storms, decided by 8am.”

Pace tips so nobody gets left behind

• Use the talk test. For a brisk walk, you should be able to talk but not sing. If someone cannot talk, slow down.
• Walk at the speed of the slowest person. Faster walkers can add effort by doing loops back, taking hills or carrying the toddler’s scooter.
• Build up time gradually. Start at 30 minutes. Add 5 to 10 minutes every couple of weeks if everyone is happy.
• Add hills on purpose. North London gives you free hills. Even one climb turns a stroll into a proper workout.
• Add “stops” for strength. Pause at a bench for 10 squats, 10 incline push-ups and 10 step-ups each. Two stops on a walk adds real value.

If you have recently had a baby, check with your GP at your postnatal check (usually around 6 to 8 weeks) before you go beyond gentle walking. The NHS page on keeping fit and healthy with a baby has more guidance.

Walking routes around Archway and Highgate

You do not need to drive anywhere. A few local options I like:

• Waterlow Park. Up Highgate Hill from Archway, with paths, ponds and Lauderdale House. Hilly in places, which is great for effort. See the Waterlow Park visitor info.
• Parkland Walk. A former railway line turned nature reserve, mostly flat and shaded. It is popular with walkers and joggers. The Parkland Walk access page explains entry points, and I have written a full Parkland Walk guide.
• Highgate Wood. Woodland paths, a playground and a café, which makes it easy with little ones. Check the Highgate Wood visitor page for opening times.
• Your school run. Honestly, one of the easiest group walks is walking home together after drop-off, the long way. More on that in my post on walking the school run.

Safety basics for a mums walking group

• Stick to well-used paths, especially on darker winter mornings.
• Wear comfortable shoes with grip. Some paths get muddy and leafy in autumn.
• Carry water, a phone and a few snacks for the kids.
• Agree a “nobody walks back alone” rule if the route ends somewhere quiet.
• With buggies, check routes for steps and narrow gates before you go.
• Anyone with a health condition, pregnancy or recent surgery should check with their GP about what is right for them.

When you want more than a walk

Walking is a brilliant base, and I would never tell anyone to stop. But it does not do much for upper body strength, and most mums I coach want to feel stronger carrying kids, shopping and car seats. That is where a strength session once or twice a week fills the gap.

Some walking groups end up coming to class together, which I love. A small group (never more than 10) where you already know a couple of faces takes away most of the nerves. Every exercise has an easier and harder option, so mixed fitness levels are no problem.

FAQs

How do I find a mums walking group near me?

Ask at baby groups, children’s centres, the school gate and local parents’ social media groups. If you cannot find one, start your own with two friends. Fixed day, fixed time, fixed meeting point.

Can I bring my baby or toddler?

Usually, yes. Most mums’ walking groups are buggy-friendly. Just choose routes with smooth paths and few steps, and agree a pace that works for everyone.

How long should a group walk be?

Start with 30 minutes and build up. Many groups settle at 45 to 60 minutes once a week, with shorter walks on other days.

Does walking count as exercise?

Yes. Brisk walking counts as moderate activity in the NHS guidelines. Adding hills and a few strength stops makes it even better.

Book your first class

Bring your walking buddies along for something different. SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes indoors in a church hall in Archway N19, with no more than 10 people, at £15 a class. Book your £15 class here or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215. If you and a friend would like sessions just for the two of you, have a look at partner personal training in Archway.

About the author

Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.